Hickey & Boggs (1972)

64% of users liked it
(226 ratings)

The stars of the witty TV series I Spy were reunited for this downbeat crime thriller, which takes a much darker and more violent look at the lives of two detectives for hire. Al Hickey (Bill Cosby) and Frank Boggs (Robert Culp) are a pair of private eyes who are approached by an attorney to find… More The stars of the witty TV series I Spy were reunited for this downbeat crime thriller, which takes a much darker and more violent look at the lives of two detectives for hire. Al Hickey (Bill Cosby) and Frank Boggs (Robert Culp) are a pair of private eyes who are approached by an attorney to find his girlfriend, who has gone missing. Their investigation leads them to a large sum of money from a Pittsburgh bank robbery. It seems that the woman in question has married the leader of a leftist radical group, which is now trying to find a buyer for the tainted money. An attempt to recover both the money and the girl goes awry when Hickey and Boggs infiltrate a meeting with the radicals; the girl slips away and takes the burgled cash with her. Adding to the disaster, the meeting tips off the identity of the detectives to mobsters dealing with the radicals, and the gangsters execute Hickey's wife in an effort to keep him away from their activities. Hickey and Boggs also features Rosalind Cash, Michael Moriarity, Vincent Gardenia, Isabel Sanford, and James Woods. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Robert Culp
Written By: Walter Hill
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2000 Wide
On DVD: May 25, 2004
Studio: MVD Music Video

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Walter Hill wrote this tough, uncompromising story of two down-on-their-luck private eyes. Marks a career high for both stars of TV's I Spy. Another of those overlooked 1970s gems that's ripe for rediscovery.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Not a pretty story, but it should bring a smile to Peckinpah.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony V

Much darker than their "I Spy" pairing, Culp and Cosby play out this police corruption drama to its fullest.

Cast

            Bill Cosby as Al Hickey

            Robert Culp as Frank Boggs

            Rosalind Cash as Nyona

            Carmen as Mary Jane

            Louis Moreno as Quemando prisoner

            Michael Moriarty as Ballard

            Ta-Ronce Allen as Nyona's Daughter

            Jack Colvin as Shaw

            Jason Culp as Mary Jane's Son

            Lester Fletcher as Rice

            Lou Frizzell as Lawyer

            Vincent Gardenia as Papadakis

            Ron Henriques as Quemando Florist

            Bill Hickman as Monte

            Nancy Howard as Apartment Manager's Wife

            Ed Lauter as Ted

            Robert Mandan as Mr. Brill

            Bernard Nedell as Used Car Salesman

            Denise Renfro as Brill's Daughter

            Cary Sanchez as Mary Jane's Daughter

            Isabel Sanford as Nyona's Mother

            Bernie Schwartz as Bernie

            Tom Signorelli as Nick

            Dean Smith as Bagman

            Wanda Spell as Playground Kid

            Gilchrist Stuart as Farrow

            Sheila Sullivan as Edith Boggs

            Jerry Summers as Bledsoe

            James Woods as Lt. Wyatt

            Gerald Saunderson Peters as Jack

            Syl Words as Mr. Leroy

            Joe E. Tata as Coroner's Assistant

            Matt Bennett as Fatboy
See full cast